HS FOOT: Crespi readies for ex-coach Thomas' return

Emotions figure to run high Friday when Crespi plays host to Servite in a rematch of last year's Pac-5 semifinal won by Crespi in overtime.

Crespi coach Jeremiah Ross is a disciple of Servite coach Troy Thomas, who coached at Crespi from 2001 to 2004, with Ross serving as an assistant.

"I think it's going to be one of our tougher games," Crespi WR Blake Stanton said. "There's a lot of emotions with the ex-coach on our field for the first time back. I think that gives Servite a boost."

Added Crespi QB Bryan Bennett: "When we played Servite last year, all of our seniors had been coached in their first year by Thomas. So it's a natural rivalry. They run some of the same stuff we do."

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com